Projects that generate significant noise, or that are located in noise-impacted areas, are subject to special permit-review procedures; the County may require acoustical reports and noise-attenuation measures. Special permit review procedures apply to projects involving significant noise levels or located in noise-impacted areas.

New non-transportation noise sources must generally stay within the Table NE-2 exterior limits at the property line of an adjacent noise-sensitive use: daytime/nighttime limits are L50 45/40 dBA, L25 55/50 dBA, L08 60/55 dBA, and L02 65/60 dBA. Limits may be reduced by 5 dBA for tonal, speech/music, or recurring impulsive noise, and by 5 dBA where the proposed use is at least 10 dBA above ambient noise. Limited exceptions allow higher levels for short-term events operating no more than six days per year, subject to a noise-management plan. Control non-transportation related noise

For discretionary projects involving a potentially significant new noise source, or a noise-sensitive use in a noise-impacted area, the County may require an applicant-funded acoustical analysis prepared by a qualified consultant. The analysis must evaluate existing and projected conditions, recommend compliance measures, address maximum noise and sleep-disturbance effects for intermittent events, and be approved as compliant with County guidelines. Consider requiring an acoustical analysis

Nonresidential projects that do not include or affect residential or other noise-sensitive uses must include noise-mitigation measures when necessary to keep noise compatible with activities planned for the site and its vicinity. Development projects that do not include or affect residential uses

The County may require noise monitoring for discretionary projects to verify compliance with required noise standards, with the monitoring costs charged to the applicant. Consider requiring the monitoring of noise levels

Noise-related requirements identified through acoustical analysis must be carried into the building-permit process, creating an additional compliance step before construction. Continue to follow building permit procedures

Nonresidential projects, including potentially data-center facilities, are not subject to residential noise standards by default. Under Policy NE-1f, they must include noise mitigation only where necessary to keep noise compatible with activities planned on the site and nearby.

The Noise Element establishes measurable operating limits for non-transportation noise rather than prohibiting noisy facilities outright. Table NE-2 allows specified daytime and nighttime exterior levels measured using L50, L25, L08, and L02 metrics, subject to the applicable limits.

Policy NE-1c provides flexibility in applying non-transportation noise limits. If existing ambient noise is already above the applicable standard, the standard may be adjusted to the ambient level, up to five dBA above the standard, provided there is no measurable increase of approximately 1.5 dBA or more. Other adjustments apply for specified noise characteristics and measurement conditions.

The plan identifies industrial and heavy-commercial areas as locations for potential new industrial noise sources and provides a review framework using generalized noise contours as a screening tool, with site-specific studies when needed. A data center classified as an industrial or heavy-commercial use could use this framework for siting and review.

Policy NE-1d establishes a defined path for discretionary projects in noise-impacted areas: an applicant may submit an acoustical analysis prepared by a qualified consultant, identify mitigation, and demonstrate projected compliance. The analysis must address existing and future conditions and recommend measures to meet the Noise Element's standards.

Completed discretionary permit applications submitted before the end of business on September 28, 2007, and completed ministerial applications submitted before approval of Resolution No. 08-0808, continue to be reviewed under the prior General Plan unless the applicant requests GP 2020 review. This protection is conditional on the application remaining valid; a new application after expiration, withdrawal, or invalidation is subject to GP 2020.

Creates a Zoning Administrator and reallocates permitting duties formerly assigned to the Board of Zoning Adjustments, allowing the Zoning Administrator or Planning Commission, as appropriate, to hear and decide use permits, variances, and certain appeals. This may provide a clearer administrative path for data centers requiring discretionary approval. hear and decide on applications for use permits

Allows the planning director to waive a public hearing and approve, conditionally approve, or deny qualifying use-permit applications when required public notice is provided and no timely written, signed request for a hearing is received. Eligibility requires specified conditions, including insignificant off-site impacts, qualifying environmental review, adequate water and wastewater service, a minor expansion without active enforcement, and no evidence of controversy or significant environmental effects. waive the requirement for a public hearing

Permits concurrent processing of related applications by allowing the Planning Commission, at the same meeting, to act on a related application otherwise assigned to the Zoning Administrator, and by allowing related subdivision, rezoning, plan-amendment, development-agreement, and other legislative applications to be heard together. concurrent processing of related applications

Authorizes joint meetings of the design review committee or landmarks commission with the Zoning Administrator or Planning Commission for projects subject to the state hearing limit, when the planning director determines that joint processing is feasible and serves the public interest. All applicable notice and hearing requirements still apply. schedule joint meetings

Sets defined appeal deadlines and decision periods: most appeals must be filed within 10 days, and the Board of Supervisors must decide an appeal within 90 days after the hearing is first opened, subject to a permitted extension. If the Board does not act within the period, the appealed decision is deemed upheld. within ninety (90) days